America's expert on leadership helps readers change their attitudes and beliefs about failure so they can make positive changes in their lives and achieve their full potential.

The major difference between achieving people and average people is their perception of and response to failure. John C. Maxwell takes a closer look at failure -- and reveals that the secret of moving beyond failure is to use it as a lesson and a stepping-stone. He covers the top reasons people fail and shows how to master fear instead of being mastered by it. Readers will discover that positive benefits can accompany negative experiences -- if you have the right attitude. Chock full of action suggestions and real-life stores, Failing Forward is a strategic guide that will help men and women move beyond mistakes to fulfill their potential and achieve success.

Preface : Becoming a REAL Success ix

1. What's the Main Difference Between People Who Achieve and People Who Are Average? 1

Redefining Failure and Success

2. Get a New Definition of Failure and Success 11

3. If You've Failed, Are You a Failure? 23

4. You're Too Old to Cry, but It Hurts Too Much to Laugh 35

5. Find the Exit Off the Failure Freeway 47

Do You Mind Changing Your Mind?

6. No Matter What Happens to You, Failure Is an Inside Job 61

7. Is the Past Holding Your Life Hostage? 73

8. Who Is This Person Making These Mistakes? 87

9. Get Over Yourself--Everyone Else Has 99

Embracing Failure As a Friend

10. Grasp the Positive Benefits of Negative Experiences 113

11. Take a Risk--There's No Other Way to Fail Forward 123

12. Make Failure Your Best Friend 137

Increasing Your Odds for Success

13. Avoid the Top Ten Reasons People Fail 153

14. The Little Difference Between Failure and Success Makes a Big Difference 167

America's expert on leadership helps readers change their attitudes and beliefs about failure so they can make positive changes in their lives and achieve their full potential.

The major difference between achieving people and average people is their perception of and response to failure. John C. Maxwell takes a closer look at failure -- and reveals that the secret of moving beyond failure is to use it as a lesson and a stepping-stone. He covers the top reasons people fail and shows how to master fear instead of being mastered by it. Readers will discover that positive benefits can accompany negative experiences -- if you have the right attitude. Chock full of action suggestions and real-life stores, Failing Forward is a strategic guide that will help men and women move beyond mistakes to fulfill their potential and achieve success.

Table of Contents

Preface : Becoming a REAL Success ix

1. What's the Main Difference Between People Who Achieve and People Who Are Average? 1

Redefining Failure and Success

2. Get a New Definition of Failure and Success 11

3. If You've Failed, Are You a Failure? 23

4. You're Too Old to Cry, but It Hurts Too Much to Laugh 35

5. Find the Exit Off the Failure Freeway 47

Do You Mind Changing Your Mind?

6. No Matter What Happens to You, Failure Is an Inside Job 61

7. Is the Past Holding Your Life Hostage? 73

8. Who Is This Person Making These Mistakes? 87

9. Get Over Yourself--Everyone Else Has 99

Embracing Failure As a Friend

10. Grasp the Positive Benefits of Negative Experiences 113

11. Take a Risk--There's No Other Way to Fail Forward 123

12. Make Failure Your Best Friend 137

Increasing Your Odds for Success

13. Avoid the Top Ten Reasons People Fail 153

14. The Little Difference Between Failure and Success Makes a Big Difference 167